Características químicas de drogas sintéticas e vegetais de uma fórmula magistral usada no tratamento de obesidade e sua relação com a leptina

Abstract

Obesity is a multifactorial chronic disease that may require pharmacological therapy. It is characterized by the expansion of adipose tissue, which, among other functions, plays an endocrine role by secreting and synthesizing leptin, a hormone associated with satiety through hypothalamic action. Leptin regulates energy homeostasis and modulates the brain’s reward system, directly influencing the preference for highly palatable foods. Compounded formulas with mixed compositions have been used for weight loss but have also raised health concerns. This exploratory and descriptive study presents an overview of the main chemical characteristics of drugs (fenproporex, amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sibutramine, furosemide, cascara sagrada, and senna) included in a weight loss formula, describing their clinical applications, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, dosages, adverse effects, and interactions. Additionally, an in silico analysis was conducted using free-access online bioinformatics tools to genetically and biochemically characterize leptin. The literature review was carried out using databases such as PubMed, SciELO, CAPES Journals, and Google Scholar; official documents from ANVISA and pharmaceutical manufacturers; and resources like PubChem and DrugBank. The study also presents a characterization of leptin in Homo sapiens, its important role in energy homeostasis and its relationship with body weight gain and, consequently, obesity. The data revealed the individual potential of each drug in the compounded formula; however, the combination of all these drugs in a single preparation poses significant risks due to drug interactions and physiological harm. It is important to emphasize that, although only one active metabolite from each herbal component was identified with anti-obesity effects, scientific knowledge about the other active compounds present in these substances remains incomplete. The findings highlight the need for greater awareness among healthcare professionals regarding the technical and specialized dispensing of compounded formulas, as well as the promotion of public education initiatives to encourage the safe and medically supervised use of such treatments.